Article Archive November 2015

After a leukemia diagnosis, San Tan Valley girl recognizes her blessings, finds ways to share

From the moment of her diagnosis, 11-year-old Naomi Oakes and her family have made an effort to count their blessings as Naomi battles leukemia. Because of the aggressiveness of her specific cancer, Naomi has been in the hospital almost constantly…

After undergoing several weeks of renovation, the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center has reopened, in time to welcome visitors during the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights. “We are thrilled to have several new exhibits that will enhance the Center,” says Elder Scott…

The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights are known for presenting a dazzling display of color and light, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This year, a new addition will help “make the displays as beautiful in the daytime as they are…

Mesa Fine Artist Paints the Elite Women of Arizona

Recently honored as one of Arizona’s “Most Notable Women Artists,” Gini Heywood was one of a select group of top local artists to participate in a unique three-month-long event that recognized both the artists and the subjects they painted. Called…

Don’t Stop! Social media campaign spreads hope for early returned missionaries

Ashley Sargeant is a woman on a mission. It’s not the mission she intended. That one ended when, after serving nine months in Brazil, a combination of bipolar disorder and exhaustion made it clear she was too sick to finish…

Wards, stakes and individual families participate in National Make a Difference Day

The National Make a Difference Day organization believes everyone has the power to make a difference. Their mission statement explains, “No matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone has the power to do something that improves the life…

Former Professional Football Player, Monk Bailey, Dies at 77

Claron Everett “Monk” Bailey, died at his home in Queen Creek, on June 18, at age 77. A native of Moab, Utah, Monk was well known for his prowess in sports. He was a four-sport letterman at Grand County High…

A Lesson in Sunshine

Living in Arizona makes one practically an expert in sunshine, at least expert enough to confidently comment, “It’s hot” when the thermometer hits triple digits. But, for me recently, it took a trip to Tucson, a bit of rain and…

The Dreaded Phone Call

The dreaded phone call has finally come. I have never received a phone call like this in all my life. It was from our Stake President and I knew immediately it concerned our missionary son. Our oldest son served faithfully…

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fuels Family-owned Store

At age 17, Jonathan Freedman asked if he could buy the overstock items of a popular clothing brand near his home in New York. He then sold them to friends for a profit. Soon afterward, Jonathan joined his two older…